Tampa's bid for GOP convention comes down to money

MITCH STACYAssociated Press Writer

Published Friday, August 09, 2002

ST. PETE BEACH -- GOP officials raved about the beaches, restaurants, hotels and arenas, but said Thursday that Tampa's bid to host the 2004 Republican National Convention will come down to whether area leaders can raise the millions of dollars required to stage the event.

Members of the site selection committee wrapped up a two-day visit to the area Thursday morning and left for New York, which, along with New Orleans, is still in the running to host the convention.

The 20-member delegation dined in the Ybor City entertainment district, toured the Ice Palace and other venues, enjoyed a cruise on Tampa Bay and met with Gov. Jeb Bush, the president's brother, at the venerable Don CeSar resort hotel on St. Pete Beach.

Committee members said they were wowed by the visit, but the final choice will be based on financial negotiations that will continue after the delegation leaves.

"It's a business decision from top to bottom," said Ellen Williams, chairwoman of the nine-member selection committee.

Jack Oliver, deputy director of the Republican National Committee, said the GOP wants to make sure Tampa can produce enough money from private sources to fill out its $50 million proposal.

"That's really something we have to look at, in terms of the commitment within the community on the private side and what kind of resources they believe they can raise for the convention," Oliver said.

Bob Martinez, the former Florida governor who chaired the host committee, was one the presenters of Tampa's proposal during a three-hour session Wednesday. Although Tampa is the only city of three finalists not to have previously hosted a political convention, he said the committee's visit moved it "to the front of the line."

"I don't think we're running at a handicap in terms of our ability any longer," Martinez said. "The question is, will we have the best package."

Martinez said he felt local officials convinced the delegation that more than enough private money could be raised.

"The thing you have to show is that you can come up with the big money, and the big money is private," he said. "They're coming back to negotiate and be more specific on the plans, but we had to demonstrate we had the names and that we've done this before."

New York is seen as a sentimental favorite because of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, but Tampa is considered a viable spot to nominate President Bush for a second term because of the state's political clout and the family connection.

"My brother cares deeply for Florida, and he has visited often," Jeb Bush said Thursday. "We're a battleground state, and I just happen to be governor."

Committee members downplayed the Bush connection, although Oliver acknowledged it as "one of the factors we'll look at."

The GOP is seeking a city that can host 50,000 Republicans and the international media, book 20,000 hotel rooms, move people efficiently among the venues and entertain them. Tampa seemed to have passed the initial test.